The Complete Career Guide for Medical Assistants in Moore, OK

As a career analyst who knows Moore’s healthcare landscape inside and out, I’ll be straight with you. Moore isn’t the bustling medical hub of Oklahoma City, but it’s a stable, growing community with a real need for skilled Medical Assistants. If you’re looking for a place where you can build a life without the crushing cost of a major metro, Moore deserves a serious look. This guide uses hard data and local insights to help you decide.

The Salary Picture: Where Moore Stands

Let’s get the numbers out of the way first. In Moore, the median salary for a Medical Assistant is $37,236 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.9. This is slightly below the national average of $38,270/year, which is typical for a cost-of-living area like ours that’s 9% below the U.S. average (Cost of Living Index: 91.0).

The broader Oklahoma City metro area, which includes Moore, has 126 jobs for Medical Assistants and a projected 10-year job growth of 15%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s steady and indicates consistent demand, especially as the population of retirees in the area continues to expand.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Moore follow a predictable progression. Here’s what you can expect based on experience:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$32,000 - $35,500	$15.40 - $17.00
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$37,236 (Median)	$17.90
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$40,000 - $45,000	$19.25 - $21.65
Expert/Specialist	15+ years / Specialties	$46,000+	$22.10+

Insider Tip: The biggest salary jumps come with specialization. A MA who gets certified in phlebotomy or EKG tech can often negotiate $1.50-$3.00 more per hour in this market.

Comparison to Other Oklahoma Cities

How does Moore stack up against other Oklahoma cities for MAs?

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Take-Home Advantage
Moore	$37,236	91.0	High (Lower costs)
Oklahoma City	$37,890	93.5	Moderate
Tulsa	$37,500	90.5	High
Norman	$36,800	92.0	High
Lawton	$35,200	85.0	Very High (but fewer jobs)

While Moore’s median salary is on the lower end for major metros, its cost of living is the second-lowest on this list, meaning your paycheck stretches further here than in OKC or Tulsa.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what’s left after essentials. For a single Medical Assistant earning the median $37,236 in Moore, here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown.

Assumptions: 22% effective tax rate (federal + state + FICA), average 1BR rent of $773/month.

Item	Monthly Cost	% of Gross Pay	Notes
Gross Pay	$3,103	100%
Taxes (Est.)	-$683	22%	Varies by withholdings
Net Pay	$2,420	78%	Your take-home
Rent (1BR)	-$773	25%	Average for Moore
Utilities	-$200	6.5%	Electricity, gas, water, internet
Groceries	-$300	10%	For one person
Car Payment/Insurance	-$400	13%	Essential in Moore
Health Insurance	-$150	5%	Employer-subsidized estimate
Misc. (Phone, etc.)	-$150	5%
Remaining	-$447	14%	For savings, debt, fun

Can they afford to buy a home? On this salary, it’s challenging but not impossible with discipline. The median home price in Moore is around $180,000. With a 10% down payment ($18,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (≈7%) would be about $1,100/month (including taxes & insurance). This would require a tight budget or a second income. However, Moore’s property taxes are relatively low, which helps long-term.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, like the hospitals in nearby OKC, offer tuition reimbursement. Use that to pursue an RN degree (see career growth section), which dramatically increases earning potential and home-buying power.

Where the Jobs Are: Moore's Major Employers

Moore’s healthcare jobs are a mix of independent practices, regional clinics, and spillover from the Oklahoma City metro. Here are the key players:

1. Norman Regional Health System (Moore Campus): This is the anchor employer. The Moore campus includes a 24/7 Emergency Department and outpatient clinics. They hire MAs for family medicine, pediatrics, and urgent care. Hiring Trend: Steady. They often post jobs on their website directly and are known for internal promotion.

2. SSM Health (St. Anthony Hospital - Oklahoma City): While the main hospital is in OKC, SSM runs several family medicine and specialty clinics in Moore (e.g., near I-35 and SE 19th). They value MAs with Epic EMR experience. Hiring Trend: Growing, especially in specialty clinics like cardiology and orthopedics.

3. Integris Health (Moore Clinic): Integris operates a primary care clinic in Moore. They are part of a large network, offering opportunities to transfer to other locations. Hiring Trend: Stable, with a focus on community-based care.

4. Mercy Clinic: Another major provider with a presence in Moore. They often seek MAs for their multi-specialty clinics. Hiring Trend: Active, with a need for MAs who are bilingual (Spanish) being a plus.

5. Independent Primary Care Practices: Dozens of small, doctor-owned practices pepper Moore, especially along Main Street and near the hospital. These can be great for a close-knit work environment. Hiring Trend: These jobs are often filled through word-of-mouth. Check local Facebook groups like “Moore, OK Jobs” or network directly.

6. Dental and Specialty Offices (e.g., Dermatology, Chiropractic): Don’t overlook non-traditional medical settings. Dermatology clinics in Moore are expanding and often hire MAs for patient intake and assistance. Hiring Trend: Niche but growing, especially in aesthetics and dermatology.

Insider Tip: The best jobs at Norman Regional or SSM are often posted internally first. If you’re moving from out of state, consider starting at a smaller clinic or temp agency (like Kelly Services in OKC) to get local experience and a foot in the door.

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma has clear requirements for Medical Assistants. It’s important to know that while the state doesn’t require licensure, most employers demand certification from a recognized body.

Key Requirements:

• Education: Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program (typically 9-12 months).
• Certification: The two most recognized are the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the AAMA and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from AMT. Some jobs may accept NCCT certification.
• Clinical Skills: Programs must include hands-on clinical externship.
• Background Check: A clean criminal background is essential for hospital employment.

Costs & Timeline:

• Program Tuition: $4,000 - $12,000 depending on the school (e.g., Moore Norman Technology Center vs. a community college).
• Certification Exam Fee: $150 - $200.
• Timeline: From starting a program to being job-ready is typically 12-15 months.

State-Specific Notes: Oklahoma does not have a state-level MA license. Your certification is your credential. The Oklahoma State Board of Nursing regulates RNs/LPNs, not MAs. For the most current info, check the Oklahoma State Department of Health website for any clinical regulations.

Insider Tip: The Moore Norman Technology Center offers an excellent, affordable Medical Assisting program with strong local employer connections. Completing your training there gives you an automatic network in the Moore healthcare community.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Where you live affects your commute and lifestyle. Moore is a sprawling suburb, so location matters.

Neighborhood	Vibe	Average 1BR Rent	Commute to Major Employers
Central Moore (Downtown)	Walkable, historic, near Main St. cafes.	$800 - $950	5-10 min to Norman Regional Moore Campus.
East Moore (SE 19th/ I-35)	Newer developments, family-friendly, easy highway access.	$750 - $850	10-15 min to SSM/Integris clinics.
South Moore (Plaza Tower area)	Quiet, suburban, near schools and parks.	$700 - $800	10-15 min to most employers.
West Moore (near 4th St.)	Older, more affordable, close to OKC border.	$650 - $750	15-20 min to most employers; can have longer commutes.
North Moore (near I-44)	Transitional, mixed-income, close to OKC.	$700 - $800	15 min to OKC clinics; 10 min to Moore employers.

Commute Note: Traffic in Moore is manageable. The worst congestion is on I-35 during OKC rush hour. Living in Moore proper means you’ll typically have a reverse commute if you work in OKC, which is a huge advantage.

Insider Tip: If you’re working at Norman Regional’s Moore campus, living in Central Moore or East Moore is ideal. For jobs in SSM/Integris clinics (often near I-35), East Moore offers the shortest, easiest drive.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Moore is a great place to start, but where can you go?

Specialty Premiums:
As mentioned, specializing adds value. In Moore and the OKC metro, you can expect:

• Phlebotomy/EKG Certification: +$1.50-$2.50/hr
• Bilingual (Spanish): +$1.00-$2.00/hr
• Ophthalmic/Medical Assistant: +$2.00-$3.00/hr (for eye clinics)
• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA): Often a baseline requirement, not a premium.

Advancement Paths:

1. Lead Medical Assistant: Overseeing other MAs, managing schedules. (Salary: $42,000-$48,000)
2. Clinical Coordinator/Office Manager: Moving into administration. (Salary: $50,000-$65,000)
3. Bridge to Nursing: Many MAs in Moore use their experience as a springboard. Norman Regional and OU Health offer robust tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing an ADN or BSN. An RN in Moore can earn $65,000-$85,000, making home ownership and long-term savings far easier.

10-Year Outlook:
With 15% job growth projected, the demand for MAs will remain strong, driven by an aging population and the expansion of outpatient services. However, wages may not keep pace with inflation unless you specialize or advance. The real growth in Moore will be in telehealth support roles and administrative health tech positions, which MAs are well-suited for.

The Verdict: Is Moore Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very affordable cost of living (Rent is 30% lower than national avg).	Salaries are below national average for the role.
Steady job market with 15% growth and major employers nearby.	Limited specialty opportunities compared to a major city like OKC.
Easy commutes and minimal traffic within the city.	Social scene is quieter; less nightlife/cultural amenities.
Family-friendly environment with good schools and safe neighborhoods.	Public transportation is virtually non-existent; a car is mandatory.
Gateway to OKC opportunities without the high cost of living.	Career advancement may require commuting to OKC or pursuing further education.

Final Recommendation:
Moore is an excellent choice for a Medical Assistant who values affordability, stability, and a straightforward lifestyle. It’s ideal for those early in their career who want to gain experience without financial stress, or for those with families seeking a safe community. If your primary goal is to maximize salary and access to cutting-edge specialties immediately, you might look closer to downtown OKC. However, for a balanced life where your paycheck covers your needs and leaves room for savings, Moore is a pragmatic and rewarding option.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be certified to get a job in Moore?
While not state-mandated, yes, it’s practically required. Over 95% of job postings from major employers like Norman Regional and SSM Health list CMA or RMA as a requirement. It makes you a competitive candidate and often comes with a higher starting wage.

2. How competitive is the job market in Moore?
It’s moderately competitive. You’re not competing with thousands of applicants like in a big city, but there are a limited number of openings. Having your certification, a clean background check, and some local experience (even from an externship) puts you at the front of the line. Apply to multiple places and be persistent.

3. Can I commute to Oklahoma City for a better salary?
Absolutely, and many MAs in Moore do this. A 15-20 minute commute to NW OKC or the Bricktown area can open up salaries closer to the national average ($38,000+). The cost of living in Moore remains low, so the net financial gain can be significant. Just factor in gas and vehicle wear-and-tear.

4. What’s the best way to find a job in Moore?

1. Check employer websites directly (Norman Regional, SSM Health, Integris).
2. Use local job boards like Indeed, but filter for “Moore, OK.”
3. Network. Join the “Moore, OK Networking” Facebook group or attend events at the Moore Chamber of Commerce.
4. Contact a local staffing agency that specializes in healthcare (in OKC, like Aerotek or Kelly Services).

5. Is it worth it to get a specialty certification in Moore?
Yes, but be strategic. Phlebotomy and EKG are the most universally useful. For more niche specialties (like ophthalmology), check local job postings first to see if there’s demand. A specialty makes you more valuable to your current employer and gives you leverage for a raise, or makes you more attractive to clinics in OKC.